SERAP Drags FG To ECOWAS Court

SERAP Drags FG To ECOWAS Court

The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice over regulations allowing the interception of phone communications.

The group is challenging the “Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations 2019”, which it says permits large-scale surveillance and threatens citizens’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

The case, filed in Abuja, names the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the respondent.

SERAP said the legal action followed claims by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai that the phone call of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been intercepted.

The organisation argued that the regulations could allow authorities to monitor private communications without adequate safeguards.

According to the rights group, the rules grant broad powers to intercept communications on grounds such as national security and public emergency, while also allowing data retention for up to three years.

It warned that such measures could be abused against political opponents, journalists, civil society groups, and election observers.

SERAP is asking the court to declare the regulations unlawful and compel the Nigerian government to withdraw them.

The organisation also wants reforms that would ensure any future surveillance system includes judicial approval, independent oversight, and clear protections for citizens’ rights.